Santa Barbara State Historic Park, Santa Barbara

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Located up the moutain of Santa Barbara is located a wonderful piece of history being preserved. It is one of few places you can still see paintings of the Chumash Native Amerians who lived is this area for over a 1,000 years. The paintings consist of many symbols that were added when events would occur.

The road to it is very narrow and steep and it was obviously a favorite of Cyclist, so be aware of them. Plus, there is only room for a couple of cars, not SUV's. RVs and trailers should not attempt the road.

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Right in downtown Santa Barbara is El Presidio de Santa Barbara, the old Spanish fort of Santa Barbara, founded in 1782. It is one of the most intact of the Spanish- or Mexican-era forts in the state, with some impressive buildings. Across the street from the main portion is El Cuartel, guards' housing. It is the oldest surviving building Santa Barbara and apparently the second oldest in the whole state.

This beautiful historical structure is gorgeous and was founded in 1782, by the Spanish who built four of these Presido's, "Fortresses or garrisons" to protect against the wilderness. The chapel served the local town people as well as the converted natives. Yet, over a 100 years the presido did not with stand the ravages of time. Earthquakes, development of the local town tooks its toll on many of the original structures. At least finally in 1963 the historical societies stepped in to preserve and restore what they could and then that is when the park services stepped in to manage the ongoing projects. Only three major structures survived, such as the Presido Chapel, post office, some living quarters.

Open daily 10:30am -4:30pm
Donation of $4
Guided tours are available by contacting 805-965-0093

California State Historical Marker No.636

This Historic Park was founded in April 21, 1782 and it was the last in a chain of four military fortresses built by the spanish along the coast of Alta California. Junipero Sierra well known for his efforts in founding the california missions, blesses the site of the Santa Barbara Presidio four years prior to the establishment of the mission. The Presidio historic park encompasses the original Presidio site and is located in modern downtown of Santa Barbara.
Is also possible to see the Chapel in el Precidio, this chapel was the first church using the authentic materials and buildings techniques of early California's spanish colonial architecture, and that's why is a unique space.

El Presidio de Santa Barbara holds a special place in my heart for in its chapel is where I married my husband.

The Presidio is the oldest building in Santa Barbara and the second oldest in California. Completed on April 21, 1782, the Presidio served as the military and governental center of the entire region ranging from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. It was the last in a string of four military fortresses.

The Presidio was blessed by Father Juniperro Serra in 1786 prior to the founding of the Santa Barbara mission. The site is no longer considered sanctified ground by the Catholic church.

The Presidio is constructed of adobe bricks and a foundation of sandstone boulders. In the picture the page's foot is resting on red tiles that were constructed in the manner of the Presidio's origin.

The park is open daily from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

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Built in 1782 this was the last of 4 fortress built by the Mexicans in Alto California to try and stop the encroachment of territory by foregin powers.